First-time and long-awaited winners bring joy to fans worldwide – Firstpost

The year 2025 turned out to be a special one for sports fans across the world as several teams finally ended long waits for silverware, while some lifted major trophies for the first time in their history. After years of heartbreak, near misses, and jokes from rivals, these triumphs brought much-needed happiness and relief to the loyal supporters of these teams.

RCB win maiden IPL title

One of the biggest talking points of the year came from the Indian Premier League (IPL), where
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally won their maiden title after 18 years. After finishing as runners-up three times in the past, RCB’s long wait came to an end in 2025 when they beat the Punjab Kings to lift the trophy. For a franchise known for its passionate fan base, the victory was emotional, with celebrations erupting across Bengaluru and on social media.

Newcastle win first major title after 70 years

In English football,
Newcastle United gave their fans a season to remember by ending a decades-long wait for silverware. The club lifted its first domestic trophy since the 1954-55 FA Cup after defeating defending champions Liverpool to win their maiden EFL Cup. They fought against all odds to beat the side, which is regarded as one of the best teams in Europe right now.

Palace win first trophy in 164 years

Crystal Palace also enjoyed a historic moment in 2025, lifting their first trophy in 164 years of existence. They defeated Premier League giants Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The win also helped the team qualify for the UEFA Europa League league phase, which was the first time in their history that they reached a UEFA competition.

PSG lift first-ever Champions League trophy

In Europe,
Paris Saint-Germain finally achieved their biggest dream by winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time. After years of heavy spending and repeated failures on the biggest stage, PSG’s breakthrough silenced many critics. The win was celebrated not just in Paris but across the world as loyal PSG fans erupted with joy.

South Africa end long trophy drought

International sport also had its share of emotional moments.
South Africa finally ended a long trophy drought by winning a major ICC title, bringing joy to fans who had endured decades of knockout heartbreak. They defeated defending champions Australia in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) final to end the wait of their fans. Their last ICC title had come in 1998 when they lifted the Champions Trophy, which was known as the KnockOut Trophy back then.

Norris ends McLaren’s 17-year wait

In motorsport, 2025 was a historic year for McLaren as
Lando Norris clinched the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, marking the team’s first title since Lewis Hamilton’s triumph in 2008. Norris became the eighth driver to win a championship for McLaren. The young British driver’s consistent performances throughout the season helped end a 17-year wait for McLaren, bringing joy to fans of the iconic F1 team.

Oklahoma win maiden NBA title in new avatar

In basketball, the Oklahoma City Thunder finally captured their first NBA championship in franchise history with a 103-91 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals. After near misses in previous years, the victory ended a long wait for the small-market team and brought immense joy to Thunder fans. The franchise had won one NBA title in its previous avatar as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979.

Eagles end 7-year wait to win Super Bowl

In American football, the Philadelphia Eagles claimed their second Super Bowl title by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX. The game was a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, played two years earlier, and saw the Eagles dominate the two-time defending champions. This victory added to Philadelphia’s first Super Bowl win since LII, played seven years earlier.